LUYỆN từ VỰNG TIẾNG ANH 1 how to test your present vocabulary

1 HOW TO TEST YOUR PRESENT VOCABULARY Once—as a child—you were an expert, an accomplished virtuoso, at learning new words Today, by comparison, you are a rank and bumbling amateur Does this statement sound insulting? It may be—but if you are the average adult, it is a statement that is, unfortunately, only too true Educational testing indicates that children of ten who have grown up in families in which English is the native language have recognition vocabularies of over twenty thousand words— And that these same ten-year-olds have been learning new words at a rate of many hundreds a year since the age of four In astonishing contrast, studies show that adults who are no longer attending school increase their vocabularies at a pace slower than twenty- ve to fty words annually How you assess your own vocabulary? Is it quantitatively healthy? Rich in over-all range? Responsive to any situation in which you may nd yourself? Truly indicative of your intellectual potential? More important, is it still growing at the same rapid clip as when you were a child? Or, as with most adults, has your rate of increase dropped drastically since you left school? And if so, you now feel that your vocabulary is somewhat limited, your verbal skills not as sharp as you would like them to be? Let us check it out I challenge you to a series of tests that will measure your vocabulary range, as well as your verbal speed and responsiveness A TEST OF VOCABULARY RANGE Here are sixty brief phrases, each containing one italicized word; it is up to you to check the closest de nition of each such word To keep your score valid, refrain, as far as possible, from wild guessing The key will be found at the end of the test   1 disheveled appearance: (a) untidy; (b) erce, (c) foolish, (d) peculiar, (e) unhappy   2 a ba ing problem: (a) di cult, (b) simple, (c) puzzling, (d) long, (e) new   3 lenient parent: (a) tall, (b) not strict, (c) wise, (d) foolish, (e) severe   4 repulsive personality: (a) disgusting, (b) attractive, (c) normal, (d) confused, (e) conceited   5 audacious attempt: (a) useless, (b) bold, (c) foolish, (d) crazy, (e) necessary   6 parry a blow: (a) ward o , (b) fear, (c) expect, (d) invite, (e) ignore   7 prevalent disease: (a) dangerous, (b) catching, (c) childhood, (d) fatal, (e) widespread   8 ominous report: (a) loud, (b) threatening, (c) untrue, (d) serious, (e) unpleasant   9 an incredible story: (a) true, (b) interesting, (c) well-known, (d) unbelievable, (e) unknown 10 an ophthalmologist: (a) eye doctor, (b) skin doctor, (c) foot doctor, (d) heart doctor, (e) cancer specialist 11 will supersede the old law: (a) enforce, (b) specify penalties for, (c) take the place of, (d) repeal, (e) continue 12 an anonymous donor: (a) generous, (b) stingy, (c) well-known, (d) one whose name is not known, (e) reluctant 13 performed an autopsy: (a) examination of living tissue, (b) examination of a corpse to determine the cause of death, (c) process in the manufacture of optical lenses, (d) operation to cure an organic disease, (e) series of questions to determine the causes of delinquent behavior 14 an indefatigable worker: (a) well-paid, (b) tired, (c) skillful, (d) tireless, (e) pleasant 15 a rmed atheist: (a) bachelor, (b) disbeliever in God, (c) believer in religion, (d) believer in science, (e) priest 16 endless loquacity: (a) misery, (b) fantasy, (c) repetitiousness, (d) ill health, (e) talkativeness 17 a glib talker: (a) smooth, (b) awkward, (c) loud, (d) friendly, (e) boring 18 an incorrigible optimist: (a) happy, (b) beyond correction or reform, (c) foolish, (d) hopeful, (e) unreasonable 19 an ocular problem: (a) unexpected, (b) insoluble, (c) visual, (d) continual, (e) imaginary 20 a notorious demagogue: (a) rabble-rouser, (b) gambler, (c) perpetrator of nancial frauds, (d) liar, (e) spendthrift 21 a naïve attitude: (a) unwise, (b) hostile, (c) unsophisticated, (d) friendly, (e) contemptuous 22 living in a uence: (a) di cult circumstances, (b) countri ed surroundings, (c) fear, (d) wealth, (e) poverty 23 in retrospect: (a) view of the past, (b) artistic balance, (c) anticipation, (d) admiration, (e) second thoughts 24 a gourmet: (a) seasoned traveler, (b) greedy eater, (c) vegetarian, (d) connoisseur of good food, (e) skillful chef 25 to simulate interest: (a) pretend, (b) feel, (c) lose, (d) stir up, (e) ask for 26 a magnanimous action: (a) puzzling, (b) generous, (c) foolish, (d) unnecessary, (e) wise 27 a clandestine meeting: (a) prearranged, (b) hurried, (c) important, (d) secret, (e) public 28 the apathetic citizens: (a) made up of separate ethnic groups, (b) keenly vigilant of their rights, (c) politically conservative, (d) indi erent, uninterested, uninvolved, (e) terri ed 29 to placate his son: (a) please, (b) help, (c) nd a job for, (d) make arrangements for, (e) change a feeling of hostility to one of friendliness 30 to vacillate continually: (a) avoid, (b) swing back and forth in indecision, (c) inject, (d) treat, (e) scold 31 a nostalgic feeling: (a) nauseated, (b) homesick, (c) sharp, (d) painful, (e) delighted 32 feel antipathy: (a) bashfulness, (b) stage fright, (c) friendliness, (d) hostility, (e) suspense 33 be more circumspect: (a) restrained, (b) dent, (c) cautious, (d) honest, (e) intelligent 34 an intrepid ghter for human rights: (a) fearless, (b) eloquent, (c) popular, (d) experienced, (e) famous 35 diaphanous material: (a) strong, (b) sheer and gauzy, (c) colorful, (d) expensive, (e) synthetic 36 a taciturn host: (a) stingy, (b) generous, (c) disinclined to conversation, (d) charming, (e) gloomy 37 to malign his friend: (a) accuse, (b) help, (c) disbelieve, (d) slander, (e) introduce 38 a congenital deformity: (a) hereditary, (b) crippling, (c) slight, (d) incurable, (e) occurring at or during birth 39 a de nite neurosis: (a) plan, (b) emotional disturbance, (c) physical disease, (d) feeling of fear, (e) allergic reaction 40 made an unequivocal statement: (a) hard to understand, (b) lengthy, (c) politically motivated, (d) clear and forthright, (e) supporting 41 vicarious enjoyment: (a) complete, (b) unspoiled, (c) occurring from a feeling of identi cation with another, (d) long-continuing, (e) temporary 42 psychogenic ailment: (a) incurable, (b) contagious, (c) originating in the mind, (d) intestinal, (e) imaginary 43 an anachronous attitude: (a) unexplainable, (b) unreasonable, (c) belonging to a di erent time, (d) out of place, (e) unusual 44 her iconoclastic phase: (a) artistic, (b) sneering at tradition, (c) troubled, (d) di cult, (e) religious 45 a tyro: (a) dominating personality, (b) beginner, (c) accomplished musician, (d) dabbler, (e) serious student 46 a laconic reply: (a) immediate, (b) assured, (c) terse and meaningful, (d) unintelligible, (e) angry 47 semantic confusion: (a) relating to the meaning of words, (b) pertaining to money, (c) having to with the emotions, (d) relating to mathematics, (e) caused by inner turmoil 48 cavalier treatment: (a) courteous, (b) haughty and highhanded, (c) negligent, (d) a ectionate, (e) expensive 49 an anomalous situation: (a) dangerous, (b) intriguing, (c) unusual, (d) pleasant (e) unhappy 50 posthumous child: (a) cranky, (b) brilliant, (c) physically weak, (d) illegitimate, (e) born after the death of the father 51 feels enervated: (a) full of ambition, (b) full of strength, (c) completely exhausted, (d) troubled, (e) full of renewed energy 52 shows perspicacity: (a) sincerity, (b) mental keenness, (c) love, (d) faithfulness, (e) longing 53 an unpopular martinet: (a) candidate, (b) supervisor, (c) strict disciplinarian, (d) military leader, (e) discourteous snob 54 gregarious person: (a) outwardly calm, (b) very sociable, (c) completely untrustworthy, (d) vicious, (e) self-e acing and timid 55 generally phlegmatic: (a) smug, self-satis ed, (b) easily pleased, (c) nervous, highstrung, (d) emotionally unresponsive, (e) lacking in social graces 56 an inveterate gambler: (a) impoverished, (b) successful, (c) habitual, (d) occasional, (e) superstitious 57 an egregious error: (a) outstandingly bad, (b) slight, (c) irreparable, (d) unnecessary, (e) deliberate 58 cacophony of a large city: (a) political administration, (b) crowded living conditions, (c) cultural advantages, (d) unpleasant noises, harsh sounds, (e) busy tra c 59 a prurient adolescent: (a) tall and gangling, (b) sexually longing, (c) clumsy, awkward, (d) sexually attractive, (e) soft-spoken 60 uxorious husband: (a) henpecked, (b) suspicious, (c) guilty of in delity, (d) fondly and foolishly doting on his wife, (e) tight sted, penny-pinching KEY:  1–a, 2–c, 3–b, 4–a, 5–b, 6–a, 7–e, 8–b, 9–d, 10–a, 11–c, 12–d, 13–b, 14–d, 15–b, 16–e, 17–a, 18–b, 19–c, 20–a, 21–c, 22–d, 23–a, 24–d, 25–a, 26–b, 27–d, 28–d, 29–e, 30–b, 31–b, 32–d, 33–c, 34–a, 35–b, 36–c, 37–d, 38–e, 39–b, 40–d, 41–c, 42–c, 43–c, 44–b, 45–b, 46–c, 47–a, 48–b, 49–c, 50–e, 51–c, 52–b, 53–c, 54–b, 55–d, 56–c, 57–a, 58–d, 59–b, 60–d Your score (one point for each correct choice): The Meaning of Your Score: 0–11: below average 12–35: average 36–48: above average 49–54: excellent 55–60: superior A TEST OF VERBAL SPEED PART This is a timed test In no more than three minutes (time yourself, or have someone time you), decide whether the word in column B is the same (or approximately the same) in meaning as the word in column A; opposite (or approximately opposite) in meaning; or whether the two words are merely di erent Circle S for same, O for opposite, and D for di erent You will not have time to dawdle or think too long, so go as fast as you can COLUMN A COLUMN B         1 sweet sour S O D   2 crazy insane S O D   3 stout fat S O D   4 big angry S O D   5 danger peril S O D   6 help hinder S O D   7 splendid magni cent S O D   8 love hate S O D   9 stand rise S O D 10 furious violent S O D 11 tree apple S O D 12 doubtful certain S O D 13 handsome ugly S O D 14 begin start S O D 15 strange familiar S O D 16 male female S O D 17 powerful weak S O D 18 beyond under S O D 19 live die S O D 20 go get S O D 21 return replace S O D 22 growl weep S O D 23 open close S O D 24 nest home S O D 25 chair table S O D 26 want desire S O D 27 can container S O D 28 idle working S O D 29 rich luxurious S O D 30 building structure S O D PART This is also a timed test In no more than three minutes (again, time yourself or have someone time you), write down as many di erent words as you can think of that start with the letter D Do not use various forms of a word, such as do, doing, does, done, doer, etc Space is provided for 125 words You are not expected to reach that number, but write as fast as you can and see how many blanks you can ll in before your time is up KEY: Part 1: 1–O, 2–S, 3–S, 4–D, 5–S, 6–O, 7–S, 8–O, 9–S, 10–S, 11– D, 12–O, 13–O, 14–S, 15–O, 16–O, 17–O, 18–D, 19–O, 20–D, 21–S, 22–D, 23–O, 24–S, 25–D, 26–S, 27–S, 28–O, 29–S, 30–S           Part 2: Any English word starting with D is correct unless it is merely another form of a previous word on the list Scoring: PART If you have up to 10 correct answers, credit your score with 25 points If you have 11–20 correct answers, credit your score with 50 points 21–25 correct answers—75 points 26–30 correct answers—100 points Your Score on Part 1: _ PART Up to 30 words: 25 points 31–50 words: 50 points 51–70 words: 75 points 71–125 words: 100 points Your Score on Part 2: _ TOTAL SCORE The meaning of your verbal speed score: On Verbal Speed: _ 50: below average 75: average 100: above average 125–150: excellent 175–200: superior A TEST OF VERBAL RESPONSIVENESS PART Write in the blank in column B a word starting with the letter P that is the same, or approximately the same, in meaning as the word given in column A Example:   look      peer _ Warning: Every answer must start with the letter P A B   1 bucket   2 trousers   3 maybe   4 forgive   5 separate   6 likely   7 annoy   8 good-looking   9 picture 10 choose 11 ugly 12 go 13 dish 14 location 15 stone 16 inactive 17 fussy 18 su ering 19 castle 20 gasp 21 fear 22 twosome 23 artist 24 sheet 25 collection PART Write in the blank in column B a word starting with the letter G that is opposite, approximately opposite, or in contrast to the word given in column A Example:   stop      go Warning: Every answer must start with the letter G A B   1 lose   2 midget   3 special   4 lady   5 take   6 moron   7 sad   8 boy   9 happy 10 plain 11 hello 12 here 13 bad 14 ugly 15 stingy 16 awkward 17 little 18 rough 19 bride 20 ripe 21 unwanting 22 unprotected 23 experienced 24 scarcity 25 unappreciative KEY, Part 1: If more than one answer is given, count as correct any word you have written that is the same as any one of the answers 1–pail, pan, 2–pants, 3–perhaps, possibly, probably, 4– pardon, 5–part, 6–probable, possible, perhaps, 7–pester, 8–pretty, 9–photograph, painting, 10–pick, 11–plain, 12–proceed, 13–plate, platter, 14–place, 15–pebble, 16– passive, 17–particular, picky, 18–pain, 19–palace, 20– pant, pu , 21–panic, 22–pair, 23–painter, 24–page, 25– pack         Part 2: If more than one answer is given, count as correct any word you have written that is the same as any one of the answers 1–gain, get, garner, grab, glean, grasp, grip, 2–giant, gigantic, great, gross, 3–general, 4–gentleman, 5–give, 6–genius, 7–glad, gleeful, gleesome, 8–girl, 9–gloomy, glum, grieving, grumpy, 10–gaudy, grand, grandiose, 11–goodbye, 12–gone, 13–good, 14–good-looking, 15– generous, giving, 16–graceful, 17–great, giant, gigantic, 18–gentle, 19–groom, 20–green, 21–greedy, grasping, 22-guarded, 23–green, 24–glut, gobs, 25–grateful Scoring: Score Parts and together Write in the blank the total number of correct responses you made: The meaning of your verbal responsiveness score: 0–10: below average 11–20: average 21–30: above average 31–40: excellent 41–50: superior VOCABULARY AND SUCCESS Now you know where you stand If you are in the below average or average group, you must consider, seriously, whether an inadequate vocabulary may be holding you back (If you tested out on the above average, excellent, or superior level, you have doubtless already discovered the unique and far-reaching value of a rich vocabulary, and you are eager to add still further to your knowledge of words.) Let us examine, brie y, some of the evidence that points to the close relationship between vocabulary and personal, professional, and intellectual growth The Human Engineering Laboratory found that the only common characteristic of successful people in this country is an unusual grasp of the meanings of words The Laboratory tested the vocabularies of thousands of people in all age groups and in all walks of life—and discovered that those people drawing down the highest salaries made the highest scores Consider very thoughtfully the explanation that the director of the Laboratory o ered for the relationship between vocabulary and success: “Why large vocabularies characterize executives and possibly outstanding men and women in other elds? The nal answer seems to be that words are the instruments by means of which men and women grasp the thoughts of others and with which they much of their own thinking They are the tools of thought.” There is other evidence At many universities, groups of freshmen were put into experimental classes for the sole purpose of increasing their knowledge of English words These groups did better in their sophomore, junior, and senior years than control groups of similarly endowed students who did not receive such training And still more evidence: At the University of Illinois, entering students were given a simple twenty-nine-word vocabulary test The results of this test could be used, according to Professor William D Templeman, to make an accurate prediction of future academic success—or lack of success— over the entire four year college course “If a student has a superior vocabulary,” states Professor Templeman, “it will probably follow that he will better work academically.” And nally: Educational research has discovered that your I.Q is intimately related to your vocabulary Take a standard vocabulary test and then an intelligence test—the results in both will be substantially the same YOU CAN INCREASE YOUR VOCABULARY The more extensive your vocabulary, the better your chances for success, other things being equal—success in attaining your educational goals, success in moving ahead in your business or professional career, success in achieving your intellectual potential And you can increase your vocabulary—faster and easier than you may realize You can, in fact, accomplish a tremendous gain in less than two to three months of concentrated e ort, even if you only one session a day—in less time if you two or more sessions a day Furthermore— You can start improving your vocabulary immediately—and within a few days you can be cruising along at such a rapid rate that there will be an actual change in your thinking, in your ability to express your thoughts, and in your powers of understanding Does this sound as if I am promising you the whole world in a neat package with a pretty pink ribbon tied around it? I am And I am willing to make such an unquali ed promise because I have seen what happens to those of my students at New York University and at Rio Hondo College in Whittier, California, who make sincere, methodical e orts to learn more, many more, words  ... penny-pinching KEY: ? ?1? ??a, 2–c, 3–b, 4–a, 5–b, 6–a, 7–e, 8–b, 9–d, 10 –a, 11 –c, 12 –d, 13 –b, 14 –d, 15 –b, 16 –e, 17 –a, 18 –b, 19 –c, 20–a, 21? ??c, 22–d, 23–a, 24–d, 25–a, 26–b, 27–d, 28–d, 29–e, 30–b, 31? ??b, 32–d,... 8–pretty, 9–photograph, painting, 10 –pick, 11 –plain, 12 –proceed, 13 –plate, platter, 14 –place, 15 –pebble, 16 – passive, 17 –particular, picky, 18 –pain, 19 –palace, 20– pant, pu , 21? ??panic, 22–pair,... 10 plain 11 hello 12 here 13 bad 14 ugly 15 stingy 16 awkward 17 little 18 rough 19 bride 20 ripe 21 unwanting